Device for bank note containers

Abstract: A device for use in a bank note container such as a preloaded cassette used in cash dispensers having the purpose of rendering unusable the bank notes in the container in the case there is detected (preferably by electronic means) a violation, attempted theft or unauthorised manoeuvre to displace or remove the container, which device comprises: a first ink reservoir (1) containing a liquid colouring material, a second removable reservoir (8) containing a pressurized gas, adjacent thereof, an actuator (9) connected to a detection system (11), in order to liberate the pressurized gas from said second reservoir if required by said detection system, ink discharging means (15) connected to the ink reservoir via a retaining valve (14), characterised in that, the first reservoir comprises an elastic sealing membrane (2) extending substantially on one side and delimiting a second compartment which, in response to said detection system, may be inflated by the pressurized gas liberated from the second reservoir.

Description: The present invention is directed to a new device to be adapted in a bank note container such as a preloaded cassette used in cash dispensers. The purpose of the device is to render unusable the bank notes in the container in the case there is detected a violation, attempted theft or unauthorised manoeuvre to displace or remove the container. This is detected preferably by a suitable electronic means. In the case of containers for transportation, for example suitcases, it is well known to include devices that will, in the case of theft or aggression, invalidate the bank notes which are contained therein. This is achieved by automatically spraying a coloured liquid, for example as a consequence of a controlled explosion. The ink will preferably be indelible. For this purpose, several systems are known. Among them, a device is known which includes a cylinder containing the ink and a piston that will be actuated, in the case of theft, via electronic or mechanical means and possibly a CO 2 cartridge or canister. Another device comprises an ink reservoir and a CO 2 cartridge which once actuated will eject the ink mixed with the gas in the container. In the latter case, a substantial portion of the ink is not delivered onto the stacks of bank notes. A document marker described in US-A-5 156 272 comprises a spongy element capable of delivering a discoloring liquid to documents juxtaposed with the element whereby migration of liquid to the documents is caused. The liquid may be discharged from a tank onto the element by gas pressure. A foam marking device described in US-A-4 799 435 comprises a cylindrical accumulator divided by a deformable sac on one side of which is provided a source of gas under pressure and on the other side of which is provided a marker liquid which is foamable when contacted with air by discharge through suitably connected valve means, the foam so formed being discharged to mark items of value such as banknotes. These devices are complicated and not very reliable due to the presence of mechanical parts and the possibility of blockage. The present invention is to overcome these problems, and is directed towards providing a new device for staining, preferably permanently, the bank notes in a container, such container being preferably for use in an automatic cash dispenser. The device according to the invention is preferably adapted for being a part of a preloaded bank note cassette. Such a cassette is generally elongated and contains a stack of bank notes which may be individually delivered through a suitable mechanism. The cassette may only be opened by authorised operators, the cover being removable or hinged to a side wall thereof. According to the present invention a device adapted to be incorporated in a bank note container comprises an ink reservoir having rigid walls for containing a liquid colouring material, a removable reservoir containing a pressurized gas, and adjacent thereof, an actuator connected to a detection system, in order to liberate the pressurized gas from said second reservoir if required by said detection system, ink discharging means connected to the ink reservoir via a retaining valve, characterised in that, one of the walls of the ink reservoir is covered by an elastic sealing membrane which, in response to said detection system, is inflated by the pressurized gas liberated from the removable reservoir, and said sealing membrane covers a rigid plate comprising a plurality of grooves and is fixed to the rigid walls of the ink reservoir. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example and with reference to the drawings wherein: Fig 1 is a top view, partially sectional, of the device, the cover of the reservoir being removed. Fig 2 is a side elevation view of the device. Fig 3 is a top view of the covering plate. Fig 4 illustrates schematically a bank notes cassette with the device according to the invention. According to one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 1, such a device comprises a reservoir 1 for liquid coloured ink, one of the walls of the reservoir being entirely covered by a flexible and extendible membrane 2 . The external side of the membrane 2 is in close contact with a covering plate 3 which comprises internal groove(s) 4 , defining a second empty compartment. The membrane acts as a sealing membrane between both compartments. A second element 5 of the device, adjacent to the reservoir body 6 , contains an elongated chamber 7 , connected to the empty compartment. Said chamber 7 contains a second removable reservoir such as a pressurized gas cartridge or equivalent means 8 , together with an actuator 9 , screwed to the body of the element 5, able to liberate the pressurized gas 10 , for example by way of a controlled explosion in order to break the head of the cartridge 8. Electronic means 11 provides the suitable signal when such action is required. The elongated chamber 7 is connected through a pipe or an internal bore 26 to an outlet 12 directed, directly or indirectly, to the reservoir 1. The body of the chamber will preferably be integral with the body of the reservoir 1. The outlet 13 of the ink reservoir 1 is connected to a retaining valve 14 and an ink distributing or discharging means 15 , such as a pipe perforated on its entire length or nozzles directed, when adapted to a bank notes cassette 28 , towards the stack of bank notes 29 . Such means will extend along at least one side of the container, preferably along the cover 25 thereof. When actuated by the electronic detection system 19 , the CO 2 under pressure will be distributed, via 11 and 12, on one side of the membrane and push said membrane which, being extendible, will inflate and extend against the opposite 20 and side walls 21 of the ink reservoir 1, pushing said ink through the retaining valve 14 in the distributing or discharging means 15, for example a perforated pipe 27 located above the stack of bank notes 29 , then on and into the bank note stack or stacks of the cassette 28 . According to a particular embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 3, the rigid plate 3 is provided with an internal conduit 22 with an outlet 12a in the middle of the internal side, said conduit being adapted to match the outlet 12 of the element 5 containing the actuator 9 and the cartridge 8. As mentioned, preferably the upper cover or plate 3 is provided with interconnected grooves 4 on its internal face in order to facilitate the CO 2 distribution on the entire surface of the membrane 2. The cover 3 is firmly positioned by screws or bolts 23 as shown in Fig. 2 and will preferably compress the lateral sides of the membranes against the upper parts of the side walls 21 of the reservoir 1. The device and covering plate may be of metal or rigid plastic material. The suitable retaining valve 14 located between the reservoir 1 and the pipe will allow passage of the ink, for example only at pressure above 1 kg. Typically the pressure in the CO 2 compartment of the reservoir, immediately following the actuation, will be 5 kg and more than 90% of the ink will be ejected from the reservoir 1 through the discharging means 15. The above retaining valve 14 may be a ball-spring type one way valve. According to one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig.4 the device, including the valve and the perforated pipe 27, is fixed by conventional means to the internal side 24 of the upper cover 25 which is hinged to the body of a cassette 28. The cassette is adapted to contain a stack of bank notes 29 for cash dispenser. The electronic circuit 11 and the power supply (battery) which are a part of the detection system is preferably adjacent to the body of the device. The device according to the invention may be incorporated in valuable containers other than bank note dispensers, for example in safes, suitcases or within security vans. An ink suitable for use in this device is disclosed in our co-pending application (EP-A-0 623 658) entitled "New Indelible Ink Formulation".

Claims: A device adapted to be incorporated in a bank note container comprising: an ink reservoir (1) having rigid walls for containing a liquid colouring material, a removable reservoir (8) containing a pressurized gas, and adjacent thereof, an actuator (9) connected to a detection system (11), in order to liberate the pressurized gas from said second reservoir if required by said detection system, ink discharging means (15) connected to the ink reservoir via a retaining valve (14), characterised in that, one of the walls of the ink reservoir is covered by an elastic sealing membrane (2) which, in response to said detection system, is inflated by the pressurized gas liberated from the removable reservoir, and said sealing membrane covers a rigid plate (3) comprising a plurality of grooves (4) and is fixed to the rigid walls (6) of the ink reservoir. A device according to claim 1 wherein the removable reservoir is located in a separate chamber (7) adjacent to the ink reservoir and connected therewith through a pipe (26) or a hole (12). A device according to any preceding claim wherein the discharging means is an elongated perforated pipe (27). A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device further comprises a bank note container, which is a preloaded bank note cassette for a bank note dispenser. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the membrane is made of an elastomer. A device according to claim 5 wherein the membrane is made of rubber. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining valve is a ball valve. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the detection system is an electronic detection system.

Inventors: LINT GREG VAN, VAN LINT, GREG
Applicants: ICI PLC, IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES PLC
Application year: 1994
Main classification: E05G1
IPC codes: G07D9, E05G1, G07D11, G08B15, G08B13, B42D15